SIEM REAP: Siem Reap’s Puok District was declared mine-free on December 5 with the efforts of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAC) and international organizations.

Senior Minister Ly Thuch said THAT declaring the Puok District mine-free is a special event for the people and the Cambodian government who worked together with the Halo Trust and development partners from several western nations.

He lauded the day as an opportunity for all donors show their compassion and love for the Cambodian people by protecting them from the suffering of living in mine-affected areas.

The senior minister added that demining is done for the future of all people to have a better life, free from the dangers of landmines and unexploded remnants of war. He said the goal falls in line with the Prime Minister’s mission to improve the living conditions of all Cambodians.

Puok is the third and latest district to be cleared of mines by the Halo Trust, which has now cleared a total of 3,512,648 square meters with the help of CMAC, the National Peacekeeping Center and the Norwegian People’s Aid.

The Senior Minister thanked the governments and people of Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland and Switzerland, as well as the dedication of all deminers who have directly supported and worked to ensure the safety of the people of Puok. He noted that it was an important step towards reaching the government’s vision of a Mine-Free Cambodia by 2025.

Ambassadors and embassy representatives expressed their support and congratulations for Cambodia’s chairmanship of the upcoming 2024 Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention, which will be held in Siem Reap in November of next year. The representatives said they are committed to standing with the government and people of Cambodia in welcoming and organizing the important event.